John Lomas

Manchester United have surged ahead of Arsenal in the battle to sign Paris St-Germain striker Edinson Cavani. According to the Telegraph via Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, the Uruguayan would prefer to join Manchester United rather than the Gunners. Cavani, 28, is growing frustrated with life in the French capital and is prepared to leave in June. (Daily Star).

Newcastle United have signed England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey from Premier League relegation rivals Swansea City for £12 million. The 23-year-old passed a medical at St James’ Park before completing a five-and-a-half-year deal yesterday. (BBC Sport).

Atletico Madrid have no plans to sell midfielder Saul to Manchester United. Diego Simeone has promoted the Spanish U21 midfielder into his first team squad this season, and he has played a key role in the club’s rise to the top of La Liga. United looked set to test Atletico’s resolve by tabling a bid for the 21-year-old this month, but boss Simeone was adamant his young ace will not be leaving the Spanish capital. (The Sun).

Kevin De Bruyne agreed to join Bayern Munich before moving to Manchester City, his agent Patrick De Koster has revealed. City fought off competition from across Europe last summer to bring the Belgium international, last season’s Bundesliga Player of the Year, to the Etihad Stadium in a £54.5m deal from Wolfsburg - the second highest transfer fee paid by a British football club. However, according to his agent, De Bruyne was on the brink of remaining in Germany, with only Bayern’s unwillingness to match Wolfsburg’s valuation for the 24-year-old preventing the move. (Sky Sports).

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink could be set to move for West Brom striker Saido Berahino. With injury problems, Hiddink is assessing the market, with Berahino high on the list of options along with Carlos Bacca of AC Milan. (Daily Express).

Bournemouth are ready to hijack West Brom’s £8 million move for QPR winger Matt Phillips. (The Sun).

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny and hope the deal will be finalised in time for him to make his debut against Stoke on Super Sunday, Sky sources understand. The 23-year-old is currently in London to complete the formalities on a four-and-a-half year contract at Arsenal. (Sky Sports).

Liverpool have signed central defender Steven Caulker on loan until the end of season from Championship side QPR. The 24-year-old, capped once by England, was on loan at Southampton - but that agreement has been cancelled to allow him to move to Anfield. (BBC Sport).

Dele Alli has committed his long-term future to Tottenham by signing a contract extension which runs until 2021. The 19-year-old midfielder has made a huge impact at Spurs since arriving from MK Dons and made his first start for England against France in November, scoring a spectacular opening goal in a 2-0 friendly win. (Sky Sports).

Everton are planning to offer £3 million for Leeds United starlet Sam Byram in a bid to lure him away from Elland Road this month.

Leeds chairman Massimo Cellino wants at least £5m for Byram, who is out of contract at the end of the season and has rejected all attempts to tie him down on a new deal. (Daily Mail).